U.S. airstrikes in Yemen on Saturday successfully targeted and eliminated several leaders of the Houthi group, backed by Iran, according to Mike Waltz, the White House national security adviser. Speaking on ABC's "This Week," Waltz highlighted that these operations are distinct from previous actions under the Biden administration, which had launched numerous strikes against the Houthis, labeled a foreign terrorist organization by the Trump administration.
Waltz emphasized that these were not minor retaliatory measures but a decisive response aimed at Houthi leadership and holding Iran accountable. He accused Iran of aiding the Houthis in attacks on U.S. naval vessels and disrupting global trade, with 70% of commerce now rerouting around South Africa, increasing shipping costs and causing supply chain disruptions.
Waltz stated that President Trump found the situation unacceptable and is committed to correcting it to restore global trade. A source indicated that these strikes are part of an ongoing campaign. On social media, President Trump warned the Houthis of severe consequences if their attacks continue and cautioned Iran against supporting them, stressing that America would hold them accountable.
In his interview, Waltz noted that all options remain open with the president and that Iran's support for groups like the Houthis, Hezbollah, and others is intolerable. The Houthis possess advanced weaponry, including air defenses and anti-shipping missiles, which have been used in numerous attacks on ships and global commerce. The U.S. plans to hold both the Houthis and Iran accountable.
Waltz also reiterated the administration's stance that Iran must not acquire a nuclear weapon, with all options on the table to prevent it. Iran has been offered a diplomatic solution to avoid global threats from a radical regime capable of threatening Israel and other nations.
President Trump's strategy is to ensure lasting solutions, with ongoing diplomatic efforts involving Russia and Ukraine, as President Putin considers a ceasefire. The administration is weighing various proposals to maintain stability.
Waltz questioned the national interest and realism of driving Russian forces out of all Ukrainian territories, including Crimea, contrasting it with the Biden administration's approach of indefinite warfare. The focus is on diplomacy and realistic assessments of the situation on the ground.